Where is the cheapest place for an all-inclusive holiday in 2026?

Want to fly somewhere warm, eat as much as you want, and not worry about daily costs-but still keep your wallet happy? You’re not alone. In 2026, the cheapest all-inclusive holidays aren’t in the Caribbean or Bali anymore. They’re in places most travelers haven’t even heard of-and they’re offering more value than ever before.

Why the cheapest all-inclusive deals are shifting

Five years ago, Mexico and the Dominican Republic dominated the budget all-inclusive market. But inflation, currency swings, and rising labor costs pushed prices up. Resorts there now average $220-$300 per person per night. Meanwhile, countries that used to be off-radar are stepping in with aggressive pricing, better infrastructure, and fewer tourists.

The secret? Resorts in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia now offer full-board, unlimited drinks, and nightly entertainment for under $100. How? Lower operating costs, local food sourcing, and government tourism incentives. In 2025, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast saw a 40% drop in resort prices after the EU approved new funding for coastal upgrades.

The top 5 cheapest all-inclusive destinations in 2026

• Bulgaria (Black Sea Coast) - Resorts near Golden Sands and Albena offer 7-night stays with meals, drinks, and nightly shows for as low as $65 per night. Think indoor pools, kids’ clubs, and beach access-all included. The local currency (BGN) is stable, and most resorts accept euros. No visa needed for EU citizens.
• North Macedonia (Lake Ohrid) - This hidden gem has lakeside resorts serving fresh fish, local wine, and traditional music. A 7-night all-inclusive here runs $78/night. It’s quiet, clean, and feels like a secret. You’ll find fewer crowds than in Croatia or Montenegro.
• Philippines (Palawan or Boracay) - For tropical vibes without the price tag, the Philippines delivers. Resorts in El Nido and San Jose (Boracay) offer all-inclusive packages starting at $82/night. Think beachfront bungalows, snorkeling trips, and unlimited local beer. Flights from Southeast Asia are cheap, and visa-free entry lasts 30 days for most nationalities.
• Georgia (Black Sea Coast) - Batumi and Kobuleti are becoming hotspots for budget travelers. Resorts here include Georgian wine tastings, mountain excursions, and spa access. A 7-night stay starts at $85/night. The lira-like exchange rate (GEL) makes it feel like a steal for Western visitors.
• Egypt (Red Sea Coast) - Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are still strong contenders. After a 2024 surge in tourism, resorts slashed prices to attract visitors. You can find 7-night all-inclusives for $90/night, including airport transfers and desert safaris. Water sports and live Arabic music are standard.

What "all-inclusive" really means in 2026

Don’t assume every resort labeled "all-inclusive" is the same. Some charge extra for premium drinks, spa services, or off-site excursions. Here’s what to look for:

• Drinks: Does "unlimited" mean local beer and house wine? Or does it include imported spirits? Check if cocktails are included.
• Food: Are there multiple restaurants? Or just one buffet? Some places limit dining to one main venue.
• Activities: Snorkeling gear, kayaks, yoga classes? These should be free at true all-inclusive resorts.
• Gratuities: Most include tips, but confirm it in writing. Some resorts add a "service fee" that’s not listed upfront.
• Age restrictions: Many budget resorts are adults-only. If you’re traveling with kids, verify child-friendly policies.

For example, a resort in Bulgaria might include unlimited local wine and 3 meals a day-but charge $15 extra for a lobster dinner. That’s still cheaper than paying $120 for a similar meal in Cancun.

When to book for the best price

Timing matters more than ever. The cheapest deals appear during three windows:

1. January-February - Right after the holidays, resorts drop prices to fill empty rooms. This is the best time to lock in a 2026 summer deal.
2. Mid-April to May - Before peak season, many resorts offer early-bird discounts. Book 4-6 months ahead for 20-30% off.
3. September-October - Post-summer lull. Weather is still warm in places like Egypt and the Philippines. Last-minute deals pop up as resorts try to clear inventory.

Avoid booking in June-August unless you’re okay with paying full price. That’s peak season everywhere-even in Bulgaria.

How to avoid hidden costs

Here’s what catches people off guard:

• Flight add-ons: Some deals list resort prices without flights. Use Google Flights to compare total cost. Sometimes, flying into a nearby city (like Sofia for Bulgaria) and taking a bus saves hundreds.
• Exchange rates: Pay in local currency, not USD or EUR. Your bank’s rate is usually better than the resort’s.
• WiFi: Many budget resorts charge for high-speed internet. If you need it, ask if it’s included or bring a local SIM card.
• Transportation: Some resorts don’t offer shuttles. Check if you’ll need to rent a car or book taxis.

Pro tip: Use apps like Trivago or Booking.com and filter for "all-inclusive" + "free cancellation." Then call the resort directly. Often, they’ll match or beat the price if you book over the phone.

Real traveler stories: What actually works

A couple from Ohio booked a 10-night stay in North Macedonia for $780 total. They ate local cheese, swam in Lake Ohrid, and watched folk dancers every night. "We spent less than we would on a weekend in New York," they said.

Another family from Australia chose the Philippines. Their 7-night package included a free snorkeling tour. "The kids didn’t want to leave," they wrote. "And we didn’t have to open our wallets once after the initial booking."

Final tip: Don’t chase "the cheapest"-chase the best value

The cheapest resort isn’t always the best deal. A $60/night place with no air conditioning and a 30-minute walk to the beach might cost you more in discomfort than a $90 place with a pool, daily shuttle, and clean rooms.

Look for resorts with:

• At least 3 dining options
• 24-hour room service or snack bars
• Free Wi-Fi
• On-site activities
• Positive reviews mentioning "no surprise fees"

Use TripAdvisor’s "value for money" filter. Resorts that score 4.5+ on this metric are usually the real winners.

What about safety and health?

All the destinations listed above have low crime rates and reliable medical care for tourists. Bulgaria and Georgia are EU-partnered nations with high hygiene standards. Egypt and the Philippines have dedicated tourist medical centers. Always check your government’s travel advisory before booking, but in 2026, these are among the safest budget destinations in the world.

Next steps: How to start planning

1. Pick one destination from the list above. Start with Bulgaria or North Macedonia if you want maximum value.

Search for "all-inclusive resort [destination] 2026" on Google. Look at 3-5 resort websites.

Call the resort directly. Ask: "What’s included? Are there any extra fees?" Record their answers.

Compare total cost: flights + resort. Use Google Flights with flexible dates.

Book with free cancellation. Lock in your deal before March 2026-prices rise fast after that.

By 2026, the cheapest all-inclusive holiday isn’t about going far. It’s about going smart. You don’t need to fly halfway across the world to get a great deal. Sometimes, the best value is just a short flight-and a little research away.